Spice Cookies

Take a Bite Out of Christmas with Spice Cookies

Nothing is quite as evocative of Christmas cheer as a plate of warm spice cookies. Throughout the holiday season, the scent of fragrant spices and sweets waft through the air, reminding us of the spirit of joy and togetherness. Whether it is the much beloved classic ‘gingerbread man’ or the classic ‘gingersnaps’, spice cookies bring the warmest Christmas feelings!

Spice cookies, or ‘winter cookies’ as they are often called, typically use a combination of spices such as ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. And many recipes also contain some type of citrus zest such as lemon or orange to add freshness to the mix. The type of dough used in making spice cookies can be either cut-out, rolled, or drop.

The trick to making great spice cookies is to get the amount of the spices just right. Too much of any one spice can overpower the flavors of the others, while too little can make the cookies taste bland. For many cookie-lovers, the traditional spices – along with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg – are the essential combination. If you want to add a little something extra, there are many variations to explore, such as using candied ginger or adding cardamom for a more exotic flavor.

Rolled, cut-out and drop cookie recipes can all be adapted for spice cookies. If you’re a fan of traditional cookies such as chocolate chip, sugar, or peanut butter, it’s easy to add some winter spices to those recipes and create something new and special.

Decorating Spice Cookies for the Holidays

Decorating spice cookies can be a fun and creative activity for the holidays. From snowmen to reindeer, the possibilities are endless. You can use a variety of edible decorations, from the standard sprinkles and colored sugar to fondant, royal icing, and confectioner’s glaze. Using cookie cutters shaped like snowmen, holly leaves, stars, and other holiday symbols can give your cookies a festive touch.

The classic decorating combination for spice cookies is to add white royal icing and multi-colored sprinkles. This gives them a festive sparkle and lets your imagination take flight. If you want to give your creations an extra touch of elegance, you can add gold or silver edible glitter to the mix. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create stunning holiday treats to share with your family and friends.